Victim Advocate Liaison - Victim Advocacy

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, provide crisis intervention and support services as directed to crime victims, guardians of victims, and close relatives of deceased victims as prescribed by state law and provide support and guidance to members of the Department. Respond to after-hour emergency cases, assist with grant paperwork, and educate the community about victim rights and services. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises no supervision.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Ensure that crime victims, guardians of a victim, or close relatives of a deceased victim are afforded the rights granted to them by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Provide crisis intervention and ongoing support services to victims in a compassionate and ethical manner and respond after-hours for emergency cases.

Notify victims of case status, criminal proceedings, trials, court hearings, and case dispositions; educate victims regarding the legal process and rights afforded them under the law.  

Assist with crime victim compensation applications and filing protective orders, conduct needs assessment and make appropriate community resource referrals.

Provide hospital and court accompaniment to victims.

Engage in ongoing training as it relates to victim advocacy, interviewing, community resources, criminal justice, and vicarious trauma. Apply current research relevant to job duties.

Participate in and facilitate interagency meetings and develop a strong liaison with law enforcement and social service agencies.

Maintain accurate and confidential records, collect statistical data, compile reports and assure accuracy of database.

Educate the Department, social service agencies, and the community about victim rights and services.

Provide supervision and training to volunteers and ensure quality service provision and accurate record-keeping for the program.

Support police department employees by providing general advocacy, as requested, and make referrals to needed resources while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Operate a City vehicle to travel to various events, meetings and victim contacts.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Victim advocacy, crisis intervention, and resources available for crime victims.

State and local laws related to crime victims, legal terminology, court practices, and the criminal justice system.

Principles and techniques of building rapport and effective interviewing.

Difference between a private EAP concern and one that warrants Police Administration’s review.

Skill to:

Accurately document and organize records.

Communicate professionally both orally and in writing.

Manage high stress situations and think critically to problem solve and resolve issues.

Present information clearly and concisely in public settings.

Provide psychological and emotional support to reduce stress.

Balance law enforcement investigative needs with the needs of victims or witnesses.

Ability to:

Demonstrate flexibility and adapt to change with a positive attitude and manage significant emotional stress.

Respectfully interact with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

Interview victims and obtain relevant information. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and handle sensitive situations and information appropriately.

Utilize office equipment, computer, and software applications.

Work independently, follow written and verbal instructions, and manage time.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

Three (3) years of social service experience and work with victims is preferred.

Education/Training:

An Associate’s degree or equivalent college hours is required.

A Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal or a related degree is preferred.

License or Certificate:

A valid current Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Special Requirements:

Physical, mental, and emotional health are vital for success in a work environment with daily exposure to trauma, intense grief, and crime.

Ability to work in a standard office environment.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

­­___     Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___     Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

_X_     Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___     Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___     Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

This position also requires on-call work.

Physical Demand Codes:  The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N         =          No

E         =          Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M         =          Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I           =          Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A         =          Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_M_    Standing

_M_    Sitting

_M_    Walking

_M_    Lifting

_I_       Carrying

_I_       Pushing/Pulling

_I_       Overhead Work

_M_    Fine Dexterity

_I_       Kneeling

_I_       Crouching

_A_     Crawling

_M_    Bending

_M_    Twisting

_I_       Climbing

_E_     Balancing

_E_     Vision

_E_     Hearing

_E_     Talking

___     Other:  _____________________

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